Labor Federation Delegates Cite Newsom’s Record in Support of Working People, Commitment to Good Jobs, Resisting Federal Attacks

SAN JOSE — The California Labor Federation, representing 2.1 million union workers across the state, today endorsed Gavin Newsom for Governor at its Pre-Primary Convention in San Jose, citing his record in support of working people as Mayor and Lt. Governor and his strong progressive platform to continue California’s national leadership on issues ranging from health care to raising wages to protecting immigrant families.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of the California Labor Federation in this race and the support of the 2.1 million Californians its member unions represent,” said Newsom of the endorsement. “The California Labor Federation is at the forefront of the fight to strengthen the middle class and create opportunity for families across our state. Working families across the country are looking to California for leadership in the face of Trump’s attacks on working people and the right to organize, and I am proud to partner with the California Labor Federation to create economic growth and inclusion that can be a model for the nation.”

“Working people face grave challenges as we endure daily attacks from an administration and Congress that are hell-bent on giving all economic gains to the very wealthiest among us,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “Throughout his career, Gavin Newsom has demonstrated that he will fight for the values that bind us together as Californians and vigorously resist any effort to dismantle the progress we’ve made to give working people a better life. That’s the bold, visionary leadership we need as California continues to be a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation.”

The convention kicks off California Labor’s statewide mobilization this election year, in which thousands of union volunteers will mobilize in support of candidates at every level who have demonstrated support for an economic agenda that puts workers and families first. Delegates vowed to work tirelessly in the coming weeks and months to ensure working people and their unions remain strong, even in the face of concerted attacks by Donald Trump, the GOP Congress and the immensely wealthy CEOs who bankroll their campaigns. Delegates also promised to hold elected officials accountable when they vote against workers and their families.

Endorsements are determined through a democratic process by which delegates to the California Labor Federation representing public and private sector unions vote to support candidates and ballot measures. Delegates voted today on endorsements for the June primary only. General election endorsements for candidates and ballot measures occur at the Federation’s Biennial Convention in July.